are continually being developed through the invention of new or improved processes

the way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment; also referred to as mechanical properties

the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features

combine the properties of two or more materials without being mixed at a chemical level

Modern material properties

Design and technology

Physical properties of materials

Testing physical properties of materials

Working properties of materials

Testing working properties of materials

Metal properties, sources and stock forms

The environmental impact of materials

Selecting materials for manufacture

This unit will develop pupils' knowledge of the physical and working properties of materials. They will compare material properties through testing, with a focus on metals. The environmental and social impact of materials will also be introduced.

Material testing

combination of two or more materials without being mixed at a chemical level

combination of two or more materials mixed at a chemical level

how well a material does its job and meets the needs of the product

the price of buying, processing and using a material

a product that has minimal environmental impact through reuse or replenishment

There are two categories of material properties, physical and {{}} properties.

What is a desirable property for aircraft parts?

What is a desirable property for a t-shirt?

recycled aluminium requires less energy to produce than new aluminium

recycled aluminium is better quality than new aluminium

recycled aluminium has a lower density than new aluminium

Why would using recycled aluminium be more sustainable than using new aluminium?

have been used for centuries without change

continually developed through new or improved processes

Starter Quiz

What is sustainability?